Colonel Meow Now Holds Guinness World Record for Longest Cat Hair

Meet Colonel Meow, the new Guinness World Record holder for cat with the longest fur. His strands average nine inches long, his hair gets everywhere and has to be brushed up to three times a week, a process that takes two people, but according to his owner, Anne Marie Avey, it’s worth it. “We already knew that he was the best cat in the world, but to be recognized in the Guinness World Records book takes it to the next level,” said Avey.

The Himalayan-Persian mix was found at a Seattle kill shelter by the Seattle Persian and Himalayan Rescue. He was adopted at a Petco adoption event and now lives in Los Angeles with Avey and Eric Rosario. Colonel Meow is also an internet sensation—He has his own website, Facebook page and YouTube channel, which has racked up more than two million views, which may be where Guinness found him. To verify his win, his fur measurements were taken by three independent vets, recording an average length based on 10 hairs. The evidence was then sent through to Guinness World Records to verify the new record.

Some are skeptical of the record winner, though. “His hair length is among the normal for long-hair Persian cats,” said Leslie Lyons, a professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri, Columbia, speaking to the LA Times. “They have pretty long hair.” By stating that Colonel Meow has the “longest fur on a cat,” Guinness may be trying to generate conversation and some healthy competition among cat owners. “Longest fur on a cat” is a new category for 2014. Guinness public relations manager Jamie Panas said cat owners are welcome to register their proposals by way of their website. The new world records book will be out on shelves on Sept. 12.